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Home , Book of Abraham, Journal of Discourses

to Melchizedek: Significant and JST Additions to Stories of the Early Patriarchs

Bruce Satterfield Department of Religious Education University - Idaho

In a vision given to Nephi 600 years before the found in these works are additions to the coming of Christ, it was revealed that the great and stories of Adam, Enoch, Melchizedek, and Moses. abominable Church would be a leading instrument Understanding these stories and the doctrinal in bringing about the apostasy of the church Christ teachings found therein are essential in interpreting would establish. Not only would the great and the work of Smith between the organization abominable Church “slayeth the saints of God” and of the Church in 1830 and his martyrdom in 1844. “bringeth them down into captivity” (I Ne. 13:5) but The purpose of this writing is to discuss the it would also take “away from the gospel of the additions The Book of Mormon and JST make to Lamb many parts which are most precious; and these stories. also many of the covenants of the Lord” would it remove (1 Ne. 13:26). Nephi also foresaw the Moses 1 restoration of many of these “plain and precious” and began the parts of the gospel in the latter-days (see I Ne. work of revising the as early as June of 1830 13:34-42). beginning with the . In that month, It was the work of Joseph Smith to restore the the first recorded revision of the Bible took place. fulness of gospel of Christ in the latter-days It was not a revision of the existing text but was a including many of the “plain and precious” parts that revelation given to Joseph Smith of a previously had been lost through the instrumentality of the unknown experience regarding Moses. Joseph great and abominable Church. Two major sources Smith placed this revision at the beginning of the of the doctrinal restoration include The Book of Book of Genesis. It is considered “the preface to Mormon and the Joseph Smith Translation. the book of Genesis and thus to the entire Old The Book of Mormon was published by the time Testament.”3 It is recorded as Moses 1 in the Pearl the Church was organized on 6 April 1830. Shortly of Great Price (the being the first thereafter, Joseph Smith was directed by the Lord eight chapters of the JST). to make a “new translation” of the Bible that has This revelation tells of an experience Moses had become known as the Joseph Smith Translation sometime after Moses’ “burning bush” experience (JST). It was not a translation in the normal sense where the Lord called him to redeem Israel from of the word; that is, from one language to another. Egyptian bondage (Exodus 3-4). The account Rather, Joseph Smith “was instructed by the Lord states: “Moses was caught up into an exceedingly to undertake a careful reading of the Bible to revise high mountain” where “he saw God face to face, and make corrections in accordance with the and he talked with him” (Moses 1:1-3). In vision, inspiration that he would receive.”1 “This work the Lord showed Moses “the world upon he was differs from the KJV in at least 3,410 verses and created.” Further, Moses beheld “the world and the consists of additions, deletions, rearrangements, ends thereof, and all the children of men which are, and other alterations that cause it to vary not only and which were created” (Moses 1:8). from the KJV but from other biblical texts. Changes Moses “greatly marveled and wondered” about range from minor details to fully reconstituted what he saw in this panoramic view of the earth and chapters.”2 it’s history (Moses 1:8). Moses asked the Lord: Both The Book of Mormon and the JST are ”Tell me, I pray thee, why these things are so, and important to the restoration of the gospel because by what thou madest them?” (Moses 1:30) The Lord as a result of this work many important doctrinal responded answering the last question first: “by the teachings were restored. Part of the doctrinal word of my power, have I created them, which is mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and “And I, the Lord God, formed man from the dust of truth. And worlds without number have I created; the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath and I also created them for mine own purpose; and of life; and man became a living soul” (Moses 3:7). by the Son I created them, which is mine Only This statement was not intended to be a literal Begotten” (Moses 1:32-33). Then he answered account of Adam’s creation but only to signify that Moses’ question as to the purpose of these man was created from the elements of this earth. creations: “For behold, this is my work and my The English translation of this verse loses an glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal important word play. The Hebrew word for ‘man’ is life of man” (Moses 1:39). adam and for ‘ground’ is adamah. Hence adam Moses 1:39 suggests a difference between came from adamah or man is made of the elements immortality and eternal life. Later prophets have of this earth. clarified this difference. For example, President The exact process of Adam’s creation is not Spencer W. Kimball stated: “If we are true and stated in the scriptures. However, in 1909 the First faithful, we shall rise, not alone in immortality but Presidency declared: “The Church of Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Immortality is to live forever in an of Latter-day Saints, basing its belief on divine assigned kingdom. Eternal life is to gain revelation, ancient and modern, proclaims man to in the highest heaven and live in the family unit.”4 be the direct and lineal offspring of Deity.”7 As President Marion G. Romney taught, “The After Adam’s creation, the Lord said, “It is not crowning work and glory of God is, therefore, as he good that the man should be alone; wherefore, I will has said, to bring to pass the eternal life of man.”5 make an help meet for him” (Moses 3:18). The As an essential part of the plan to attain phrase “help meet for him” translates the Hebrew godhood, it was necessary for man to leave the words ezer kenigdo which literally means, “as presence of God and come to earth in order to opposite him” or “as against him.” In this sense, experience a mortal probation. Though we are not ezer kenigdo means “his counterpart.” Adam was told all the reasons for our coming to mortality (see like one wing of an airplane. But without his ezer D&C 101:32-33), the scriptures and prophets have kenigdo, the other wing, (which is opposite but taught that we have come here [1] to receive a equal to him), Adam could not “fulfill the measure of physical body in order to [2] experience the his creation.” The Lord then created a woman, , knowledge of good and evil (Moses 4:6-12; 2 Ne. to be “an help meet for him.” 2:11-15; D&C 29:39), [3] prove our obedience to That Eve was to be an equal partner to Adam, God in he face of good and evil ( 3:24-25), and not one whom he would have dominion over, is and [4] prove ourselves worthy of godhood through portrayed in the Mosaic account of Eve’s creation. righteous parenthood.6 After declaring that He would make an “help meet” for Adam, the Lord brought all the animals that He of Earth and Man had created before Adam “to see what he would To fulfill these purposes, the Lord through a call them.” “And Adam gave names to all cattle, process of six progressive creative periods created and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the the earth. Apparently, upon the mountain Moses field.” Then the account states: “but as for Adam, had been taken, the Lord revealed to him the there was not found an help meet for him” (Moses process by which he created the earth. Moses was 3:19-20). His ezer kenigdo was not found among commanded to make a written account of what was the animals which Adam had been previously given revealed to him (Moses 2:1). dominion over (see Moses 2:28). Toward the end of the sixth creative period, The account then records the figurative8 having brought forth both plants and animals, the creation of Eve from one Adam’s ribs (Moses 3:22), Mosaic account reads: “And I, God, said unto mine symbolizing that she was not only created from the Only Begotten, which was with me from the same “dust of the earth” as Adam but that she beginning: Let us make man in our image, after our belongs at Adam’s side as an equal partner in likeness; and it was so. And I, God, said: Let them bringing forth children and raising them righteously. have dominion over the fishes of the sea, and over Understanding this, Adam said, “ This I know now the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all is bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh . . . the earth, and over every creeping thing that Therefore shall a man leave his father and his creepeth upon the earth” (Moses 2:26). The mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they account speaks of man’s creation in these words: shall be one flesh” (Moses 4:23-24). Priesthood Keys Given to Adam Consequences of the Fall To , God said: “Be fruitful, and From both the JST and the Book of Mormon, multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it, and greater understanding regarding the consequences have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the of the fall were given. Though the Fall was a fowl of the air, and over every living thing that necessary part of God’s plan, from a human moveth upon the earth” (Gen. 1:28; Moses 2:28). perspective the Fall brought both positive and In this statement, the command to become parents negative results. The positive results of eating the was given. fruit were twofold. First, Adam and Eve could have Further, Joseph Smith interpreted this verse to children (Moses 6:48; cf. 2 Nephi 2:20-25). As a mean that Adam was also given keys. result, God’s children could continue their Said he, “The Priesthood was first given to Adam; progression by coming from premortality to he obtained the First Presidency, and held the keys mortality. Second, because of the mortal of it from generation to generation. He obtained it experience, Adam, Eve, and their posterity could in the Creation, before the world was formed, as in “be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Moses 4:11- Genesis 1:26, 27, 28. He had dominion given him 12, 28; cf. 2 Nephi 2:18). After the Fall, Eve over every living creature.”9 recognized with joy the importance of their decision to eat the fruit in these words: “Were it not for our Adam and the Fall transgression we never should have had seed, and Joseph Smith taught, “Adam was made to open never should have known good and evil” (Moses the way of the world.”10 This was accomplished 5:11). through the Fall of Adam.11 The Fall was the Acquiring a knowledge of good and evil is vital mechanism by which mortality was introduced in for God’s children. Without it they could not such a way that man’s freedom to choose was left become as He is. Elder James E. Talmage wrote: intact without God being held responsible for the “A knowledge of good and evil is essential to the eternal consequences of man’s choice. advancement that God has made possible for His After creating the earth and Adam and Eve, children to achieve; and this knowledge can be best God created a garden for Adam and Eve to live in. gained by actual experience, with the contrasts of Though it was forbidden by God (Moses 3:16-17), good and its opposite plainly discernible.”12 it was necessary for Adam and Eve to eat the fruit Mortality is necessary to the acquisition of the of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. By knowledge of good and evil. Elder Talmage said: eating the fruit, the Fall was brought about. And the “A knowledge of good and evil is essential to Fall initiated mortality. progress, and the school of experience in mortality It seems the reason the fruit was forbidden was has been provided for the acquirement of such a matter of responsibility. If God would have knowledge.”13 President George Q. Cannon commanded Adam and Eve to partake of the fruit, declared: “It is for this purpose that we are here. then God would have been responsible for their fall. God has given unto us this probation for the Therefore God would not be in a position to save express purpose of obtaining a knowledge of good His posterity. The consequences of the Fall–which and evil--of understanding evil and being able to will be discussed momentarily–must come by man’s overcome the evil--and by overcoming it receive the agency rather than God imposing fallen conditions exaltation and glory that He has in store for us.”14 upon his children. When Adam and Eve chose to The negative side of all this is that the eat the fruit by their own volition, God was free to acquisition of knowledge of good and evil brings implement a plan that would help them overcome dire consequences both in mortality and in eternity. the consequences. Added in the JST to the Genesis account is the The JST account of the Fall is similar to the following: “Because of that Adam fell, we are; and Genesis account with a few additions. Before the by his fall came death; and we are made partakers fall story is told, an account of the premortal fall of of misery and woe. Behold Satan hath come Satan is given (Moses 4:1-4), something eluded to among the children of men, and tempeth them to in the Bible (Isaiah 14 and Revelation 12) but worship him; and men have become carnal, without much detail. Further we are told that Satan sensual, and devilish, and are shut out from the first beguiled many serpents before attempting to presence of God” (Moses 6: 49). This is confirmed beguile Eve. And then Satan used one of serpents in the Book of Mormon where we are taught that to beguile Eve (Moses 4:6-7). the fall of Adam brought upon Adam, Eve, and “all mankind a spiritual death as well as a temporal, that of Eden, speaking unto them, and they saw him is, they were cut off from the presence of the Lord” not; for they were shut out from his presence” (Alma 42:7,9; see also 2 Nephi 2:21; 9:6; Mosiah (Moses 5:4). Though we are not specifically told 16:3; Alma 12:22; 22:12; Helaman 14:16; Mormon what they prayed for, the account tells us that the 9:12). Lord told them to “worship the Lord their God” and The spiritual death of Adam and Eve was to “offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering dramatically symbolized: Adam and Eve were unto the Lord.” Adam responded obediently by expelled from the . After leaving offering sacrifices to God (Moses 5:5). the garden, “cherubim and a flaming sword” were Through the offering “of the firstlings of their placed at the entrance of the garden (Moses 4:31; flocks,” Adam was introduced to the atonement of also Genesis 3:23-24). The JST makes it clear that Jesus Christ. The account reads: “And after many this was to physically stop Adam and Eve (and their days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, posterity) from coming into the presence of God saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the and partaking of the (Moses 5:4). The Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save Book of Mormon adds that if they had partaken of the Lord commanded me. And then the angel the tree of life they would have lived forever with spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the these consequences (Alma 12:26-27; 42:3-5). The sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which cherubim represent the justice of God that will not is full of grace and truth” (Moses 5:6-7). Adam and allow unworthy beings to come into his presence Eve were taught that acceptance back into the (the same as the river of filthy water in Lehi’s dream presence of God would be possible only through of the tree of life (1 Nephi 8:13-26; 12:18). They the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. are what Brigham Young taught, “the angels who The things taught Adam were accompanied by stand as sentinels” guarding the way “to the the witness of the Holy Ghost: “And in that day the presence of the Father.”15 Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only The Need for the Atonement Begotten of the Father from the beginning, Upon being driven from the garden, the Genesis henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou account immediately relates the story of and mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as Able. However, the JST adds significant many as will” (Moses 5:9). information regarding the introduction of the gospel to Adam and Eve which took place before the story Atonement for the Fall of Adam of Cain and Able. Further information regarding the introduction of We are told that they “began to till the earth, the gospel to Adam and Eve is found within the and to have dominion over all the beasts of the additional material restored in the JST concerning field, and to eat [their] bread by the sweat of [their] Enoch (found in Moses 6-7). In Moses 6 we are brow.” Further, “Adam knew his wife, and she bare told about the ministry of Enoch, none of which unto him sons and daughters, and they began to appears in the Genesis account. Moses 6 gives an multiply and to replenish the earth. And from that account of Enoch teaching the people of his day. time forth, the sons and daughters of Adam began Part of Enoch’s teaching included a discussion of to divide two and two in the land, and to till the land, Adam’s introduction to the gospel. and to tend flocks, and they also begat sons and Enoch taught that the Lord told Adam that the daughters” (Moses 5:1-3). atonement would be made effective for each Though much time and energy were spent in person through the exercise of faith, repentance, eking out a life for themselves and their children in baptism, and reception of the Holy Ghost (Moses a virgin world, Adam and Eve had not forgotten 5:8; 6:51-52). Adam was confused. The only way God. They must have felt the pangs of their fallen to initiate mortality was by eating the . condition. Being expelled from the presence of Why must he, or anyone else for that matter, repent God must have at times been overwhelming. They of something that was supposed to happen? So must have wondered what they could do to return Adam asked, “Why is it that men must repent and back into God’s presence. be baptized in water? (Moses 6:53) In response the We are told that “Adam and Eve, his wife, called Lord first said: “Behold I have forgiven thee thy upon the name of the Lord, and they heard the transgression in the Garden of Eden” (Moses 6:51- voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden 53). Adam and Eve had acted appropriately in the garden by eating the fruit thus opening the way for Of this, Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: “The God’s children to come to mortality. However, natural birth creates a natural man, and the natural eating the fruit brought upon Adam, Eve, and all man is an enemy to God. In his fallen state he is mankind, mortal and eternal consequences. An carnal, sensual, and devilish by nature. Appetites atonement must be made in order to free man from and passions govern his life and he is alive–acutely these consequences. Elder , former so–to all that is evil and wicked in the world.”17 member of the Quorum of the Twelve, taught of Further, the world into which Adam’s posterity the role of the Christ’s atonement in freeing man would be born is a sinful world where men have from the consequences of Adam’s fall: become “carnal sensual and devilish” (Moses 5:13). Therefore, the enticement of sin will be continually We believe that through the sufferings, death, and before Adam’s posterity. atonement of Jesus Christ all mankind, without one Being born in a natural body and into a sinful exception, are to be completely and fully redeemed, both body and spirit, from the endless banishment world, Adam’s posterity would thus be “conceived in and curse to which they were consigned by Adam’s sin.” In such a condition, when “they begin to grow transgression; and that this universal salvation and up, sin conceiveth in their hearts, and they taste the redemption of the whole human family from the bitter, that they may know to prize the good” (Moses endless penalty of the , is effected without any conditions whatever on their part; that is, they are 6:55). When this happens, each person suffers a not required to believe or repent, or be baptized, or do personal fall or spiritual death, doomed to endure anything else, in order to be redeemed from that the eternal consequences of their own actions. penalty; for whether they believe or disbelieve, Though man is not responsible for Adam’s fall, whether they repent or remain impenitent, whether they are baptized or unbaptized, whether they keep they will be accountable for their own actions while the commandments or break them, whether they are in mortality. This is the meaning of Article of Faith righteous or unrighteous, it will make no difference in 2: “We believe that men will be punished for their relation to their redemption, both soul and body, from own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.” the penalty of Adam’s transgression.16 Orson Pratt taught that the “universal redemption Because of Christ’s atonement for Adam’s from the effects of original sin, has nothing to do transgression, the Lord forgave them with redemption from our personal sins; for the unconditionally for their transgression in the garden: original sin of Adam, and the personal sins of his 18 Adam and Eve did not need to repent of their eating children, are two different things.” The atonement of the forbidden fruit. “Hence,” Enoch taught, for the fall of Adam will not save each man from his “came the saying abroad among the people, that personal sins. An individual atonement is required. the Son of God hath atoned for original guilt Thus a modern revelation states that the of [Adam’s transgression in the garden]” (Moses Christ was to redeem “mankind from the fall, and 6:54). from individual sins” (D&C 138:19; emphasis added). Atonement for Individual Sins Continuing his teaching, Enoch quoted the Individual Atonement Initiated By Ordinances Lord’s explanation to Adam about why men have Enoch informed his people that Adam learned need of repentance and baptism: “Inasmuch as thy that the atonement for personal sin is conditional! children are conceived in sin, even so when they He was taught that Christ’s atonement for personal begin to grow up, sin conceiveth in their hearts, and sin would become effective only after an individual they taste the bitter, that they may know to prize the exercises faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and good” (Moses 6:55). enters into the priesthood ordinances outlined by The meaning of this statement is clear when the the Lord (see Moses 6:58-68). following is understood. Though Adam’s Desiring to overcome his personal spiritual fall transgression in the garden was unconditionally or death, Adam entered into the ordinances forgiven, the consequences of his transgression prescribed by the Lord. Enoch reported that Adam would have lasting effects upon all mankind. With “was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended the Fall, the physical nature of Adam and Eve upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and changed. They became mortal or natural, subject became quickened in the inner man” (Moses 6:64- to all the ills of mortality including the capacity to 65). Quickened means to be made alive. Thus sin. This mortal condition would be passed on to through baptism and reception of the Holy Ghost, their posterity. Adam was spiritual born again meaning he had overcome his personal spiritual death. Of these again.21 The Lord declared: “I say unto you, that as verses, President Harold B. Lee said: “Now there is many as receive me, to 11:30; see also, 3 Ne. a definition of what it means to be born again. It 9:17; Moroni 7:26, 48; D&C 34:3; 35:2; 45:8; Moses means to be quickened in the inner man. That's 7:1). The power to become sons of God is another way of saying it.”19 obtained by receiving all the priesthood ordinances After being baptized and receiving the gift of the of the gospel by which men become adopted into Holy Ghost, he entered into “the order of him who the family of God.22 was without beginning of days or end of years, from all eternity to all eternity” (Moses 6:67). The Valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman What was the “order” that Adam entered into? We see, then, through the JST that the Enoch did not elaborate. However, President Ezra ordinances of the priesthood including Taft Benson explained: “When our Heavenly Father ordinances were first introduced to Adam and Eve. placed Adam and Eve on this earth, He did so with Apparently, all this took place in the valley of Adam- the purpose in mind of teaching them how to regain ondi-Ahman. President taught: His presence. Our Father promised a Savior to “What is the gospel as taught by Jesus himself? redeem them from their fallen condition. He gave The very first principle was faith in the Messiah; this them the plan of salvation and told them to teach was the first principle ever taught to man. When their children faith in Jesus Christ and repentance. Adam, after being driven from the garden of Eden, Further, Adam and his posterity were commanded went to Adam-ondi-Ahman to offer sacrifice, the by God to be baptized, to receive the Holy Ghost, angel of the Lord asked him why he did so. Adam and to enter into the order of the Son of God. (See replied that he did not know, but the Lord had Moses 6.) To enter into the order of the Son of commanded him to do it. He was then told that the God is the equivalent today of entering into the blood of bulls and goats, of rams and lambs should fulness of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is only be spilt upon the altar as a type of the great and received in the house of the Lord.”20 last sacrifice which should be offered up for the sins of the world. The first principle, then, ever taught to Becoming Sons of God Father Adam was faith in the Messiah, who was to Enoch continued his teaching. Bcause Adam come in the meridian of time to lay down his life for had received the temple ordinances, the Lord said: the redemption of man.”23 “thou art after the order of him who was without From Church History we find an interesting beginning of days or end of years, from all eternity statement made by Heber C. Kimball which speaks to all eternity.” He then said: “Behold, thou art one the altars built by Adam in the valley of Adam-ondi- in me, a son of God; and thus may all become my Ahman: “ Joseph called upon Brother sons.” (Moses 6:67-68). This statement teaches Brigham, myself and others, saying, ‘Brethren, that having passed through the ordinances of the come, go along with me, and I will show you priesthood, Adam was called a son of God! something,’ He led us a short distance to a place Further, all could become sons of God in the same where were the ruins of three altars built of stone, way. one above the other, and one standing a little back But are we not taught that we are already sons of the other, like unto the pulpits in the Kirtland and daughters of God? Why would we have to go Temple, representing the order of three grades of through priesthood ordinances to become what we Priesthood; ‘There,’ said Joseph, ‘is the place already are? Again, Enoch did not elaborate. where Adam offered up sacrifice after he was cast However from the Book of Mormon and modern out of the garden.’ The altar stood at the highest revelation we are given the answer: When one is point of the bluff. I went and examined the place called “a son of God,” it means he or she is entitled several times while I remained there.24 to inherit all the Father has. But because of the Fall of Adam, each person born into the world has Adam’s Posterity and the Holy Order inherited a fallen, mortal condition. As such, they The JST informs us that having learned the have lost their inheritance as a child of God and are gospel plan, the Lord commanded Adam and Eve subject instead to inherit the misery of their fallen to “teach these things freely unto [their] children” condition. In order to escape this fate and receive (Moses 5:58). Obediently, “Adam and Eve blessed the fulness of the Kingdom of God, each person the name of God, and they made all things known must be reinherited by becoming a “son of God” unto their sons and their daughters.” However, “Satan came among them, saying: I am also a son Enoch and the City of Zion of God; and he commanded them, saying: Believe it [the gospel taught by Adam and Eve] not; and they believed it not, and they loved Satan more The holy order established in the days of Adam than God. And men began from that time forth to be was not only a religious order but also constituted carnal, sensual, and devilish” (Moses 5:12-13). the government by which Adam’s posterity was to Though it is true than many of the posterity of be governed by. Of this government, Elder Bruce Adam and Eve went astray, many also believed and R. McConkie wrote: “There was no separation of received the gospel through the ordinances of the church and state; all governmental powers, whether holy priesthood (Moses 5:14-15, 58-59). civil or religious, centered in one Supreme Head. Though not part of the JST, revelations given to They came from God and were administered Joseph Smith adds further information concerning among men by his legal administrators who were Adam and the priesthood ordinances that ought to sent and duly commissioned by him. This type of be understood. Joseph said: “The order of this government is a theocracy; it is the government of priesthood which was established in the beginning God. Under it there is no need for a civil power on was patriarchal. The authority descended from the one hand and a religious arm on the other. All father to son, and those who held it were high the affairs of government are intertwined into one priests.”25 Further, Joseph taught: “This order was with direction coming from God himself, by instituted in the days of Adam, and came down by revelation, to those whom he commissions to lineage in the following manner . . .” (D&C 107:41). represent him on earth.” Further, he stated: “The Then follows a list of the line of authority through theocracy of the Adamic age was patriarchal, and which the priesthood was made available to the from Adam to Noah all the legitimate powers of posterity of Adam. We are then told: “Three years government, both civil and religious, descended previous to the death of Adam, he called , from father to son. That is to say, government in all Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, and its forms and with all its powers was centered in the 28 Methuselah, who were all high priests, with the family.” residue of his posterity who were righteous, into the Sometime after the establishment of the valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman, and there bestowed patriarchal order, a rebellion took place which upon them his last blessing.” After receiving this resulted in the establishment of governments which last blessing, “ the Lord appeared unto them” (D&C were secular in nature. This began with the 107:42-54). rebellion of Cain and the murder of to which Of this event, Joseph Smith stated: “This is why the JST gives greater insight (see Moses 5:18-41). Adam blessed his posterity; he wanted to bring Elder McConkie observed: “Cain apostatized, left them into the presence of God.”26 Commenting on the church, and, as Abel's blood cried out against this, President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “How did him, fled from the presence of Adam and the Adam bring his descendants into the presence of faithful saints. He thereupon set up his own the Lord? The answer: Adam and his descendants government, both civil and religious, patterned after entered into the priesthood order of God. Today we the Adamic theocracy, except that Cain received no would say they went to the house of the Lord and revelation and the Lord gave him no direction. received their blessings.” Continuing, President Hence, his government was illegitimate; it imitated Benson said: “If a couple are true to their the true order but was man-made and 29 covenants, they are entitled to the blessing of the Satan-inspired.” The JST adds that eventually highest degree of the celestial kingdom. These further rebellions resulting in secular governments covenants today can only be entered into by going occurred (Moses 5:42-57). Thus wickedness to the house of the Lord. Adam followed this order spread throughout the world. This was the situation and brought his posterity into the presence of God. of the world at the time of the great meeting at He is the great example to follow. When our Adam-ondi-Ahman of which Enoch was part of. children obey the Lord and go to the temple to In the Bible, the man Enoch is an enigmatic receive their blessings and enter into the marriage figure. Very little is said of him and what is said is covenant, they enter into the same order of the obscure at best (see Genesis 5:21-24). However priesthood that God instituted in the beginning with the JST (along with other teachings of Joseph father Adam.”27 Smith) add great light upon this most important patriarch. After Adam’s death, Enoch, seventh from Adam, was given charge of the of the holy order. “By the time of Enoch,” wrote Elder McConkie, “the making covenants with God in holy temples is that population of the earth was great and the he will give them power to overcome all things that governments among men diverse. Adam and his stand in the way of their progress of coming into His faithful seed gloried in their divine system of presence and becoming as He is. Of this, Elder government; Cain and his seed, and all who had Bruce R. McConkie stated: “Those who abide by fallen away, had nations and governments and the conditions of the holy covenant of the religions–imposed religions–of their own. Up to this priesthood shall have power, by faith, to govern and point in time, a separation of church and state had control all things upon the earth, and they shall never entered the minds of men. All anyone knew ‘stand in the presence of God,’ being as he is and about was a government that controlled both living the kind of life he lives. And to show the civically and religiously.”30 immutability of his word, he swears with an oath by Enoch was twenty five years old when he was himself and in his own name, that all these things ordained to the priesthood, and sixty-five when he shall surely come to pass.”32 received the fulness of the priesthood from Adam at We are told in the JST that “men having this the meeting at Adam-ondi-Ahman (D&C 107:48, faith, coming up unto this order of God, were 53). That same year, Enoch “begat Methuselah” translated and taken up into heaven” (JST Genesis (Moses 6:25). 14:32). This was not meant to mean that they were About that time, Enoch was commanded to call taken literally into the presence of God in the the world to repentance and to return to the celestial kingdom, the final resting place for the patriarchal order of God (Moses 6:26-33). With this righteous.33 However, the context seems to imply call came the priesthood keys of the kingdom, or that those who were translated were placed in a patriarchal order31 Upon his call, the Lord said: realm where they were free from the evil effects of “Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy this world while being promised the future celestial words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee resurrection which would bring them into the before you, and the rivers shall turn from their presence of God. At the same time they did not course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; experience the pangs of longing for their physical therefore walk with me” (Moses 6:34). This was a bodies that apparently annoy disembodied spirits reaffirmation of an oath made by God to all those waiting the resurrection (see D&C 45:17; 138:14- who enter into the holy order of God. The JST 15). reveals this oath in these words: It was through the power and authority of this order that Enoch preached the gospel.34 Many For God having sworn unto Enoch and repented and followed him. Further, through the unto his seed with an oath by himself; that power and authority of this order “he led the people every one being ordained after this order of God, and their enemies came to battle against and calling should have power, by faith, to them; and he spake the word of the Lord, and the break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry earth trembled, and the mountains fled, even up waters, to turn them out of their course; according to his command; and the rivers of water To put at defiance the armies of nations, were turned out of their course; and the roar of the to divide the earth, to break every band, to lions was heard out of the wilderness; and all stand in the presence of God; to do all nations feared greatly, so powerful was the word of things according to his will, according to his Enoch, and so great was the power of the language command, subdue principalities and which God had given him. There also came up a powers; and this by the will of the Son of land out of the depth of the sea, and so great was God which was before the foundation of the the fear of the enemies of the people of God, that world. (JST Genesis 14:30-31; emphasis they fled and stood afar off and went upon the land added) which came up out of the depth of the sea” (Moses 7:13-14). It is in this oath that we are told the purpose and Again, through the power and authority of this power of the order of God or the priesthood: to order, Enoch established a city called, “the City of bring God’s children back into His presence and Holiness,” even “Zion” (Moses 7:19). Within this become even as God. The power of the priesthood order, Enoch led his people in living the law of is to make that aim possible. The oath of God to consecration (Moses 7:18), the law that governs the those who enter into the order of God obtained by celestial kingdom.35 “So perfect was the system and so righteous were the people that they received their necks, and they shall fall upon our necks, and instruction from the Lord in person as well as from we will kiss each other; And there shall be mine his duly constituted servants on earth. What better abode, and it shall be Zion, which shall come forth system of government could there be? out of all the creations which I have made; and for Providentially it is one that will differ only in size and the space of a thousand years the earth shall rest” complexity from the government that shall prevail (Moses 7:63-64). over all the earth when the Lord reigns during the Millennial era.”36 Eventually, “in process of time,” it was through the power of this order that Enoch and his people From Noah to Abraham were translated and taken up into heaven (Moses 37 7:21). The Lord promised Enoch that his city Noah and the Flood would return to the earth upon the Savior’s second “In Enoch's day, all the faithful saints were coming (Moses 7:62-64). translated and taken up into heaven. From the In addition to the material already discussed, taking up of Zion to the coming of the flood, all of the JST also restores a panoramic vision of world the worthy converts were also caught up by the history given to Enoch which included important powers of heaven to receive an inheritance in that prophecies regarding the restoration that would Zion which had fled from the earth.”38 have been of great interest to Joseph Smith and In the vision given to Enoch, the Lord showed those of the Church in the latter-days. After seeing Enoch that after his city was translated, the world the vision of Christ and his crucifixion, he saw a would be filled with wickedness. Then Enoch saw vision of the latter-days. Four important events “Noah, and his family; that the posterity of all the were shown to Enoch regarding the latter-days. sons of Noah should be saved with a temporal First, “righteousness will I send down out of salvation” (Moses 7:41-42). This “temporal heaven” (Moses 7:62). This has reference to the salvation” would require the power of the Lord opening the heavens through visions and priesthood. Therefore, “it came to pass that angels revealing priesthood authority and keys as Methuselah, the son of Enoch, was not taken [i.e., well as doctrines to those living in the latter-days. translated with the city of Enoch], that the Much of this is recorded int he of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he Covenants. Second, “truth will I send forth out of made to Enoch; for he truly covenanted with Enoch the earth, to bear testimony of mine Only Begotten; that Noah should be of the fruit of his loins” (Moses his resurrection from the dead; yea, and also the 8:1). In other words, Methusaleh was not translated resurrection of all men” (Moses 7:62). This is a so that he could pass on the priesthood keys. prophecy of the coming forth of the Book of Methusaleh begat Lamech to which the keys of the Mormon. Third, “righteousness and truth will I kingdom were given.39 Lamech begat Noah to cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather whom the priesthood keys were passed. Noah was out mine elect from the four quarters of the earth” prepared at a young age to carry the responsibility (Moses 7:62). Thus, the revelations that come from he was foreordained to bear for we are told that heaven and the Book of Mormon that comes from “Noah was ten years old when he was ordained the earth will combine together to gather Israel under the hand of Methuselah” (D&C 107:52). from the four quarters of the earth where they have The JST clears up some confusing verses been scattered. Fourth, Israel is to gather to a about Noah and his sons (see Genesis 6:1-6). specific location: the Lord will “gather out mine elect Noah had three sons: Japeth, Shem, and Ham. from the four quarters of the earth, unto a place The scriptures teach that “Noah and his sons which I shall prepare, an Holy City, that my people hearkened unto the Lord, and gave heed, and they may gird up their loins, and be looking forth for the were called the sons of God” (Moses 8:13). Recall time of my coming, and it shall be called Zion, a that JST makes clear that when one is called a son New Jerusalem” (Moses 7:62). of God is means they had entered into the holy Having seen the great gathering in the last order of God (review Moses 6:64-68). days, the Lord then told Enoch: “And the Lord said The world into which Noah and his sons lived unto Enoch: Then shalt thou and all thy city meet was extremely wicked. The Mosaic account states: them there, and we will receive them into our “the wickedness of men had become great in the bosom, and they shall see us; and we will fall upon earth; and every man was lifted up in the imagination of the thoughts of his heart, being only information at various points, many which are found evil continually” (Moses 8:22). Sadly, the daughters in the footnotes and appendix of the Bible. born to Noah’s sons were adversely affected by the Noah received instructions on how to build the wickedness of the world. The account reads: “And ark (Genesis 6:14-16). Noah was obedient to the when these men began to multiply on the face of Lord. When the floods came upon the earth, Noah, the earth, and daughters were born unto them, the his family, and the chosen animals went into the ark sons of men [i.e., those outside of the covenant] where they found refuge (see Genesis 7). After the saw that those daughters were fair, and they took flood waters began to recede, the ark rested “upon them wives, even as they chose [i.e., the daughters the mountains of Ararat” (Genesis 8:4). “And God married outside the temple]. And the Lord said spake unto Noah, saying, Go forth of the ark, thou, unto Noah: The daughters of thy sons have sold and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons’ wives with themselves; for behold mine anger is kindled thee. Bring forth with thee every living thing that is against the sons of men, for they will not hearken to with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and my voice” (Moses 8:14-15). of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the Noah was called to preach repentance to the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, people of his day: “And the Lord ordained Noah and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth” after his own order, and commanded him that he (Genesis 8:15-17). They did so. should go forth and declare his Gospel unto the Further, the Lord promised Noah that He would children of men, even as it was given unto Enoch” never destroy the earth by flood again. A bow (Moses 8:19). Along with his grandfather, would be set in heaven as a token of this promise. Methuselah, and father, Lamech, Noah cried The JST records the Lord saying: “And the bow repentance unto the people.40 Unfortunately, the shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I people did not listen. In fact, they became worse: may remember the everlasting covenant, which I “The earth was corrupt before God, and it was filled made unto thy father Enoch; that, when men should with violence” (Moses 8:28). Therefore the Lord keep all my commandments, Zion should again decided to “destroy all flesh from off the earth” come on the earth, the city of Enoch which I have (Moses 8:30). This was to be accomplished caught up unto myself. And this is mine everlasting through by flooding the earth with water. covenant, that when thy posterity shall embrace the We have come to understand that the flood was truth, and look upward, then shall Zion look to be the earth’s baptism to cleanse it from all downward, and all the heavens shall shake with wickedness.41 Orson Pratt taught: “The first gladness, and the earth shall tremble with joy; and ordinance instituted for the cleansing of the earth, the general assembly of the church of the firstborn was that of immersion in water; it was buried in the shall come down out of heaven, and possess the liquid element, and all things sinful upon the face of earth, and shall have place until the end come. And the earth were washed away. As it came forth from this is mine everlasting covenant, which I made with the ocean floor, like the new-born child, it was thy father Enoch” (JST Genesis 9:15-25). innocent; it rose to newness of life. It was its Noah, like Adam, began making a life for him second birth from the womb of mighty waters--a and his family in a virgin world. It was an age of new world issuing from the ruins of the old, clothed renewal–an opportunity to begin a new world set with all the innocence of this first creation.”42 squarely on the gospel path. The Lord’s theocratic Joseph Smith taught, “Noah was born to save government was once again the only established seed of everything, when the earth was washed of governement. its wickedness by the flood.”43 This was the “temporal salvation” spoken of by the Lord to Enoch Tower of Babel and the Return of Apostasy (see Moses 7:41-42). The Lord designed to The time of renewal did not last. Within a few accomplish this salvation through the construction generations, Noah’s descendants began to go of a large boat–the ark–into which Noah, his astray. Eventually, the majority of the world had righteous family members, and selected apostatized from the gospel and government led by representatives of every kind of animal would live Noah and his sons. This is portrayed in the story of during the time the floods ruled the earth. the building of the tower. Our access to the JST through the Book of The scriptural account speaks of the Moses ends at this point. The biblical story descendants of Noah as being of “of the same continues the story with the JST adding some language, and of the same speech” (Genesis 11:1). This statement seems to imply that all the world them abroad upon the face of all the earth” was of the same mind and thought. Unfortunately, (Genesis 11:5-9). this unity of thought seems to be more or less like The Akkadian word Babylon means “gateway to the people in the days of Noah, of whom it was said a god.” The Hebrew word for Babylon is Balal that “every man was lifted up in the imagination of which sounds much like the Hebrew word babel, the thoughts of his heart, being only evil continually” meaning confused. This word play in Hebrew (Moses 8:22). Many moved from the mountains to suggests that the beginning of man’s apostasy, and the plain of Shinar (Mesopotamia) where Satan put thus his confusion, began in Babylon where the into their hearts to “to build a tower sufficiently high tower was built. By confounding and scattering the that they might get to heaven” (see Genesis 11:2-4 people, the Lord attempted to thwart man’s and Helaman 6:28). apostasy. It was in those days that the Jaredites The tower may have been the prototype of the were driven from the place of the tower to the ziggurats or temple towers found in ancient promised land (Ether 1-4). Mesopotamia. These were high towers built with slopping, stepped sides that led to a temple built on From Shem to Abraham top. The names given to these towers indicate that It is in this apostate setting that Abraham was they were thought of as conduits between earth and born. The biblical account lists Abraham as ten heaven: “The House of the Link between Heaven generations removed from Noah through Shem. and Earth,” “The House of the Seven Guides to Though Shem, who is called “the great high priest” Heaven,” “The House of the Foundation-Platform of (D&C 138:41), was righteous, his direct line Heaven and Earth.” descendants became wicked. We are told in the The building of the tower appears to be an Book of Abraham–translated from Egyptian papyrus egotistical attempt by man to get to heaven by by Joseph Smith between 1835 to 1842–that virtue of his own power. That is to say, they began Abraham’s fathers had “turned from their to establish their own religion(s). The same could righteousness, and from the holy commandments be said of them as was said of the people in the which the Lord their God had given unto them, unto days of Joseph Smith: “they draw near to me with the worshiping of the gods of the heathen” their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they (Abraham 1:5). Abraham was born in Ur, a teach for doctrines the commandments of men, Mesopotamian city whose exact location is having a form of godliness, but they deny the power disputed. The Book of Abraham gives us the clear thereof” (Joseph Smith History 1:19). Again: “They picture that it was a city of abominable religious seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, practices (Abraham 1). These descendants of but every man walketh in his own way, and after the Shem (Semites) had become corrupted. image of his own god, whose image is in the But not all of Noah’s descendants had likeness of the world, and whose substance is that apostatized from the truth. Living also in the days of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in of Abraham was a descendant of Noah whose Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall” righteousness is renowned. His name was (D&C 1:16). This last statement is fitting, for the Melchizedek. Like Enoch, Melchizedek is a place where the tower was built became known as shadowy figure in the Bible. But the JST along with Babylon. The account reads: “And the LORD came the Book of Mormon add significant details which down to see the city and the tower, which the are imperative to understand for proper children of men builded. And the LORD said, interpretation of LDS history. Behold, the people is one, and they have all one Melchizedek was evidently a prince by birth, for language; and this they begin to do: and now he became king of Salem (later Jerusalem–Gen. nothing will be restrained from them, which they 14:18; Ps. 76:2), where he reigned “under his have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and father” (Alma 13:18). “Melchizedek was a man of there confound their language, that they may not faith, who wrought righteousness; and when a child understand one another's speech. So the LORD he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, scattered them abroad from thence upon the face and quenched the violence of fire” (JST Gen. of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. 14:26). Yet the people among whom he lived Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because “waxed strong in iniquity and abomination; yea, they the LORD did there confound the language of all had all gone astray; they were full of all manner of the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter wickedness” (Alma 13:17). Though living among a wicked people, Notes Melchizedek “exercised mighty faith, and received the office of the high priesthood according to the 1. Joseph Smith’s New Translation of the Bible: Original holy order of God” (Alma 13:18). This priesthood Manuscripts, eds. Scott H. Faulring, Kent P. Jackson, and was after the order of the covenant that God had Robert J. Matthews (Provo, Ut:: , made with Enoch (JST Gen. 14:27), and 2004), p. 3. Melchizedek ruled both as king and priest over his people. 2. Encyclopedia of , 1-4 vols., edited by Daniel H. Ludlow (New York: Macmillan, 1992),, p.763 As high priest, some of his functions were keeping “the storehouse of God” where the “tithes 3. Joseph Smith’s New Translation of the Bible: Original for the poor” were held (JST Gen. 14:37-38), Manuscripts, p. 3. preaching repentance (Alma 13:18; cf. 5:49), and administering ordinances “after this manner, that 4. Spencer W. Kimball, :An Eternal Hope in Christ,” Ensign, thereby the people might look forward on the Son of Nov. 1978, p. 72. God . . . for a remission of their sins, that they might enter into the rest of the Lord” (Alma 13:16; JST 5. Marion G. Romney, “The Worth of Souls,” Ensign, Nov. Gen. 14:17). With extraordinary goodness and 1978, p.14. power, Melchizedek diligently administered in the office of high priest and “did preach repentance 6. For an excellent summary of these four reasons, see Ezra unto his people. And behold, they did repent; and Taft Benson, The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson (Salt Lake Melchizedek did establish peace in the land in his City: , 1988), pp. 27-28. days” (Alma 13:18). Consequently, Melchizedek became known as “the prince of peace” (JST Gen. 7. Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, Anthon H. Lund, 14:33; Heb. 7:1-2; Alma 13:18). “His people “Origin of Man,” in Messages of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1833-1951). 6 wrought righteousness, and obtained heaven” (JST vols., ed. James R. Clark (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965- Gen. 14:34), apparently through the doctrine of 1975), 4:206 (emphasis added). translation. As a king and high priest of the Most High God 8. Of the figurative nature of Eve’s creation, President (Gen. 14:18), Melchizedek holds a place of great Harold B. Lee has said: “Marriage is a partnership. honor and respect among Latter-day Saints. An Someone has observed that in the Bible account of the creation woman was not formed from a part of man’s head, example of righteousness and the namesake of the suggesting that she might rule over him, nor from a part of higher priesthood, he represents the scriptural ideal man’s foot that she was to be trampled under his feet. of one who obtains the power of God through faith, Woman was taken from man’s side as though to emphasize repentance, and sacred ordinances, for the purpose the fact that she was always to be by his side as a partner and companion.” (Teachings of the Presidents of the of inspiring and blessing his fellow beings. Church: Harold B. Lee, Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Consequently, the name of the holy order was Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2000, p. 109) renamed in his honor. The Doctrine and Covenants states that Melchizedek was “such a great high 9. Joseph Fielding Smith, ed. Teachings of the Prophet priest” that the higher priesthood was called after Joseph Smith (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Press, 1938), p. his name. “Before his day it was called the Holy 157. Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God. But out of respect or reverence to the name of the 10. Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 12. Supreme Being, to avoid the too-frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in the ancient days, 11. President Ezra Taft Benson taught the importance of called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the understanding the Fall in these words: “Just as a man does not really desire food until he is hungry, so he does not Melchizedek Priesthood” (D&C 107:2-4; italics in desire the salvation of Christ until he knows why he needs original). Christ. No one adequately and properly knows why he Melchizedek received the priesthood including needs Christ until he understands and accepts the doctrine the keys “through the lineage of his fathers, even till of the Fall and its effect upon all mankind.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1987, 106-107; or Ensign, May 1987, 85) Noah” (D&C 84:14). And it was from Melchizedek that Abraham received the priesthood and the keys 12. James E. Talmage, A Study of the Articles of Faith. of the kingdom (D&C 84:14). 12th ed., rev. (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1978), 54; emphasis added. 13. James E. Talmage, The Vitality of Mormonism (Boston: married under the celestial law are heirs to the Priesthood; The Gorham Press, 1919), 46. ‘children of the covenant’ they are called; no ordinance of adoption or sealing is required to give them place in the blessed posterity of promise.” (The House of the Lord: A 14. George Q. Cannon, Journal of Discourses. (Edited by Study of Holy Sanctuaries, Ancient and Modern. 1912 ed., George D. Watt, et al. 26 vols. Liverpool: F. D. Richards, et reprint. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1962]., p.88.) al., 1854-1886), 26:190-191. However, children born to parents who are not married in the temple must receive the sealing or adoption ordinance 15. Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 2:31; also (See Wilford Woodruff, The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff [Compiled by G. Homer Durham. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, Discourses of Brigham Young, Compiled by John A. 1946], pp.154-156; Messages of the First Presidency, 2: Widtsoe,. (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1978) p. 416; 278-279; 5:112.). Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young President George Q. Cannon, then a member of the (Published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day First Presidency, stated: “It is not necessary, where parents Saints, 1997), p. 302. are thus sealed together by the authority of the Holy Priesthood for time and for eternity, that their children should 16. Orson Pratt, Remarkable Visions (n.p., n.d.), 12. be adopted or be sealed to them. They are legitimate heirs of the Priesthood and of the blessings of the new and everlasting covenant. But not so with those who have been Bruce R. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of 17. born outside of this covenant. There has to be some Faith (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1985), p. 282. ordinance performed in order to make them legitimate; and that ordinance, the Prophet Joseph revealed, was the 18. Pratt, in Journal of Discourses, 1:329. ordinance of adoption; that is, that which covers the ordinance or law, although we do not use the word adoption when we seal children to parents; we call that sealing.” 19. Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye in Holy Places: Selected (Collected Discourses, Vol.4, George Q. Cannon, April 8, Sermons and Writings of President Harold B. Lee (Salt Lake 1894). City: Deseret Book, 1975) p. 54. 22. See Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed., rev. (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966), p. 394. 20. Ezra Taft Benson, “What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children About the Temple,” Temples of the Church of Jesus 23. Wilford Woodruff , The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff Christ of Latter-day Saints, pp. 42-43; also, Ensign, Aug. (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969), p.18. 1985, p. 8; emphasis added. 24. Quoted from Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. 21. This is known as the law of adoption. The law of Kimball (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1945) , pp. 209-210. adoption is completed when a child is sealed to his or her’s parents. Adopting children to parents began during the Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 3:160. administration of Wilford Woodruff. Prior to his 25. administration, people were being adopted to anyone. However, President Woodruff received a revelation clarifying 26. Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.159. the order of this ordinance. In April General Conference of 1984, he said: “When I went before the Lord to know who I should be adopted to (we were then being adopted to 27. Ezra Taft Benson, “What I Hope You Will Teach Your prophets and apostles), the Spirit of God said to me, ‘Have Children About the Temple,” Temples of the Church of Jesus you not a father, who begot you?’ ‘Yes, I have.’ ‘Then why Christ of Latter-day Saints, pp. 43-44; also, Ensign, Aug. not honor him? Why not be adopted to him?’ ‘Yes,’ says I, 1985, p. 9; also, Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.257. ‘that is right.’ I was adopted to my father, and should have had my father sealed to his father, and so on back; and the 28. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, pp. duty that I want every man who presides over a temple to 657-658. see performed from this day henceforth and forever, unless the Lord Almighty commands otherwise, is, let every man be adopted to his father. When a man receives the 29. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p. endowments, adopt him to his father; not to Wilford 658. Woodruff, nor to any other man outside the lineage of his fathers. That is the will of God to this people.” (Collected McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p. Discourses, ( Edited by Brian H. Stuy. 5 vols. Burbank, 30. California, and Woodland Hills, Utah: B.H.S. Publishing, 659. 1987-1992), Vol.4) Children born to parents who are already married for 31. D&C 84:15-16; Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph time and all eternity are “born in the covenant,” meaning they Smith, p.171. are automatically sealed to their parents and are thus born legal heirs to the kingdom. In other words, they are automatically adopted into the family of God at birth! Elder 32. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, James E. Talmage declared: “Children born to parents thus p.314. 33. Joseph Smith taught, “Many have supposed that the spirit of revelation that the flood would come in the days of doctrine of translation was a doctrine whereby men were Noah. Moreover, he lived until the year of the flood when he taken immediately into the presence of God, and into an died. Do you not think that this righteous man was also eternal fullness, but his is a mistaken idea.” One must be declaring repentance to the perverse world, and warning resurrected to come into the presence of God and obtain them of the flood which was to come? Again, Lamech, father eternal fullness. “This distinction is made between the of Noah, was also a righteous man and he lived until five doctrine of the actual resurrection and translation: translation years before the flood. It is reasonable to suppose that he, obtains deliverance from the tortures and sufferings of the too, was preaching to the people, as well as his father and body, but their existence will prolong as to the labors and his son.” (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:204). toils of the ministry, before they can enter into so great a rest and glory” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.170). 41. See Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 2:320; Brigham Eventually, translated beings obtain a celestial resurrection Young, Journal of Discourses, 1:274; McConkie, Mormon and receive the fullness of joy (see 3 Nephi 28). Doctrine, p.289; Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses, 1:291-292; , Journal of Discourses, 26:74-75; 34. Alma 13:6 and D&C 42:11 teach the necessity of the George Albert Smith, Conference Report, April 1922, p.50. priesthood or the holy order in order to preach the gospel. 42. Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses, 1:331. 35. Joseph Fielding Smith stated: “We read in the Pearl of Great Price how Enoch was called to cry repentance, and 43. Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.12. through his diligent labors be gathered together those who were willing to make covenant to serve the Lord. These made covenant to obey the celestial law, or the law of consecration, for this is a celestial law, and the celestial kingdom is governed by it. They were willing to give all that they had, even their lives to the kingdom of God. The result was that they became so righteous that they walked with God, and “he dwelt in the midst of Zion; and it came to pass that Zion was not, for God received it up into his own bosom; and from thence went forth the saying, Zion is fled.” -- Moses 7:69.” (The Way to Perfection: Short Discourses on Gospel Themes. 9th ed. [Salt Lake City: Genealogical Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1951], pp. 273-274)

36. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p. 659.

37. Joseph Smith taught “Now the doctrine of translation is a power which belongs to this Priesthood.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.170)

38. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p. 659.

39. Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.171.

40. Of this, Joseph Fielding Smith said: “It is generally thought that the Lord called Noah, when he had determined to cleanse the earth with the flood, and sent him out alone to preach to the wicked inhabitants. It is sometimes said, without basis in fact, that Noah preached 120 years; and nothing is said of the preaching of other witnesses. Let me call your attention to the fact that Noah was not alone in bearing witness. It is recorded in the Pearl of Great Price that: ‘It came to pass that Methuselah, the son of Enoch, was not taken, that the covenants of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to Enoch; for he truly covenanted with Enoch that Noah should be of the fruit of his loins. And it came to pass that Methuselah prophesied that from his loins should spring all the kingdoms of the earth (through Noah), and he took glory unto himself.’ Now Methuselah, grandfather of Noah, was a righteous man and a prophet. He knew by the Notes